
Glass. 







HISTORY OFPOMFRET. 



DISCOURSE 



DELIVERED OX THE D VY OF AWUAL TIIANKSGIVIIV«, IN THE FIRST 

CHURCH IN roMFRET, NOV. 1 9tii, 1840. 





BY D. HUNT, 




PASTOR OF SAID CHURCH. 




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HARTFORD: 


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HOLBROOK. PRINTER 



1§41. 






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AUTHOR'S NOTICE. 



[ It may be proper to state here, that this work has been performed under great em- 
barrassments, and is, after all, but a meager representation of the history of this town. 
*' The fathers have fallen asleep," and with them is lost a great amount of valuable 
history. The work should have been undertaken twenty years ago. But such as it 
is, I yield it, at the request of my people, for publication. Errors will doubtless be 
found in some of the statements which I have made, especially from tradition; but 
I have no means of detecting them. I have declared what I have supposed after 
much examination and inquiry, to be the truth. I have hesitated whether to publish 
it in tlie shape of a sermon, as it was originally prepared, or simply as a history ; but 
have concluded, on account of my profession, though there is not much in it that re- 
sembles a sermon, to give it in its original form. In what estimation such labors of a 
Clergyman, to gratify his people and their friends will be held by the public, remains 
to be seen. The author, during his preparation of this work, has been compelled to 
regard the council of Moses, in the text — " Remember the days of old" <f-c. ] 



D I S C O U R S E 



Deut. 32 : 7 — ^'Remember the days of old, consider the years of 
many generations : ask thy father and he icill show thee ; thy 
elders and they will tell thee.'' 

This is a part of the dying address of Moses to the degenerate 
people of Israel. God had dene great things for them and their 
fathers, but they seemed not to remember " the hole in the pit 
whence they were digged," nor "the place in the rock from 
which they were hewn," nor the mighty and holy hand that had 
done it. They had grievously departed from the Lord their 
God, and forgotten his abundant mercies. And Moses, having 
now assurance that he cannot go into the promised land, nor re- 
main longer with them, to be their instructor and guide; im- 
proves the opportunity in his farewell message, to set their sins 
and their dangers before them ; and to urge them by various, 
and some awful considerations, to cleave unto the Lord their 
God. This in the text is one of the motives which he is pleased 
to lay before them — " to remember the days of old, and consider 
the years of many generations." 

Great advantage is often derived fx'om a retrospection of 
God's dealings with the children of men, particularly with our 
own ancestors and countrymen. It shows us our origin — it 
shows us the long-suffering of God towards the wicked and his 
faithfulness towards those that are obedient — it gives warning to 
depart from evil and encouragement to trust in the Lord — it is 
calculated to inspire feelings of gratitude and love towards our 
great Preserver and Benefactor ; and to draw forth expressions 
of thanksgiving and praise. It was when the Psalmist had 
been meditating on the history of God's dealings with his fathers 



aiid coiintrynien, that iie said, *• O, that nieu would praise the 
liOrd for his goodness, for his wonderful works to the children 
of men," and exclaims "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from 
everlasting to everlasting," — "Let the people praise thee, O God; 
let all the people praise thee." 

With these views of the importance of considering the history 
of the past, may it not be appropriate, on this anniversary day 
of " Thanksgiving, Praise and Prayer," to spend a little time in 
contemplating the history of this town. If we can go over the 
subject in a proper manner, it may as much as any thing, tend 
to awaken feelings of gratitude to Almighty God, and lead us to 
form new resolutions that we w^ill serve and honor the God of 
our fathers. 

The tract of land, originally known as the " Mashamoquet 
Purchase," and afterwards incorporated as the town of Pom- 
fret, containing fifteen thousand one himdred acres, was deeded 
by Capt. James Fitch, of Norwich, for the consideration of thir- 
ty pounds, lawful money, to Samuel Ruggles, Sen., John Chand- 
ler, Benjamin Sabin, Samuel Craft, John Grosvenor, Samuel 
Ruggles, Jun., of Roxbury, Mass., and six other persons, whom 
they might choose to be joint proprietors with them. The per- 
sons chosen, were John Pierpont, John White, John Ruggles, 
John Gore, Samuel Gorcv and Thomas Morey. 

The deed was executed May 5th, 1686. It was signed by 
James Fitch, and by Owanecho, Sachem of the Mohegan tribe 
of Indians, and his son Josiah. Whence it appears, that the ori- 
ginal proprietors of this soil, were careful to obtain the consent 
of the Indians to their purchase, and to have that consent ex- 
pressed in writing, upon the instrument by wliich they held it — 
a thing not always done by the white people, in obtaining their 
lands from the Aborigines. 

-This purchase was confirmed by the General Assembly of 
Connecticut, with a view to its becoming a town July 8th, 1686. 
The proprietors employed an agent, John Butcher, to survey 
their purchase and to divide one half of it into twelve parts of 
equal value, which were severally assigned to them by lot. The 
remaining one half they held as joint stock. 



Some of these proprietors!, it is believed, moved on to their 
lands as soon as the purcliase was made; otiiers at differ- 
ent periods afterwards, and some never eame, but sold tlie divi- 
ded part, and some the whole, of their shares. The increase of 
the population here, was not after the manner of some of our 
Western towns and villages; for as late as 1713, nearly thirty- 
years after the first settlers arrived, there were considerably less 
than sixty families, probably, not more than forty-five in the 
whole town. 

In 1714, the town was enlarged by the addition of two farms, 
owned by Jonathan Belcher, Esq., of Roxbury, Mass., containing 
two thousand three hundred acres lying south of the " Ma^ha- 
nioquet Purchase," in the town of Mortlake, — or what is now a 
part of Brooklyn — on his petition to have them incorporated 
with the town of Pomfret ; making the whole number of acres 
then in the town, to be seventeen thousand four hundred. 

This " Purchase," it is believed, was once a favorite residence 
of the Indians. Some families were residing here when the first 
settlers came ; and the remains of their habitations continued ma- 
ny years. Axes and arrows and pestles and gouges and frag- 
ments of cooking utensils — all of stone — are often ibund in the 
fields in these days. There is also upon one of the hills in this 
parish, called Chandler hill, the site of an Indian fort. 

The soil of this " Purchase " is uncommonly productive for this 
part of Connecticut ; and within its limits, there is but little land 
which is not arable. Tradition, however, informs us, that when 
the division into farms was first made, the few bog-meadows, 
now so little valued, were more highly prized than the uplands 
on account of the hay which they produced. The surface of the 
town is uneven, possessing a peculiar arrangement of hill and 
dale, which in the summer season, when vegetation is fresh, gives 
to the scenery a charming aspect. 

There are three streams of water winding through this town, 
which retain their original Indian names. The largest is the 
Mashamoquet, from which the " Purchase" took its original 
title. The other two empty into this, viz : the Wappoquians, 
which runs by the burying ground in this parish : and the Nee- 



wichewaiiiia. which cuincri i'roin liie hills in the south part oi 
the town. 

The early inhabitants of this town w^ere, evidently, persons 
who feared God and loved the institutions and ordinances of the 
gospel. This, however, is what we might reasonably expect, 
when we remember thai most of them came from that place 
where the " apostle " Elliot lived and preached, and diffused his 
spirit of piety and benevolence, and probably received the seal 
of the covenant from his hand. Tradition informs us, that be- 
fore they W' ere able to sustain the means of grace among them- 
selves, they were accustomed to go to Woodstock to worship ; 
and that females walked from the south part of the town — the 
distance of seven or eight miles, and sometimes in a snow path — 
carrying their infants in then' arms. 

As soon as their number and circumstances would admit, they 
commenced exertions to have the stated ministry of the gospel 
amongst themselves; and pursued them in the most serious and 
resolute manner, until the object was accomplished. Perhaps 
no method will so well illustrate the character of the first set- 
tlers of this town, and bring before you their religious histor}^ 
as to present the records of their doings from the commence- 
ment of their efforts until the settlement of their first minister. 

At a meeting of the inhabitants and proprietors of the "Mash- 
amoquet Purchase," May 3d, 1713, the following agreement was 
made and signed by twenty-thi-ee persons: 

" It being an indispensable duty, as we would aim at the glory 
of the Lord our God, and regard not only our temporal and civil 
good, but also, and especially the spiritual and eternal good of 
our own souls, and the souls of our dear wives and children — 
therefore, to lay such a foundation, and make such suitable pro- 
visions, as that we may have a gospel ministry settled amongst 
UB, and enjoy God in all his holy ordinances — the which that we 
may do — it is unanimously voted and agreed to, that for three 
ensuing years, all our public charge in building a meeting house, 
and minister's house, and settling a minister, and his maintain- 
ance, shall be raised after this way, viz : one half on all lands 
within the township as granted by the General Assembly, and 



now belonging to each inluibitanl and proprietor ol' tlie township 
so granted, and tlie other one half oi" public charge, as aforesaid, 
on heads, stocks, and other ratable estate. And we also agree 
that three judicious persons be appointed to give us timely and 
seasonable advice in any matters of difficulty, either respecting 
placing the meeting house, or whatever else may concern or 
conduce to our public peace, and the orderly settlement of our 
place. We also agree that the Honorable Assembly be peti- 
tioned unto, to grant us a freedom from ordinary country charge, 
or rates, for three years, as has been their custom and favor, 
to all new towns ; and that the General Court or Assembly, 
order that all those inhabitants and proprietors of land, Ijing in 
our township, that shall neglect or refuse to pay their just pro- 
portion of public charge, for the next three years ensuing — 
their dues being suitably demanded — that so much of their land 
be seized and disposed of, according to law, as may answer his 
or their just due and proportion of public charge within our 
township, as aforesaid. Lastly, we desire and empower, our 
loving neighbors, Lieut. John Sabin, and Sergt. Leicester Gros- 
venor, humbly to present our petition and pray the General As- 
sembly to put their sanction hereunto. — Witness our hands."* 

This petition was granted by the General Assembly May 14th, 
1713, and all the privileges of corporate towns conferred. It 
w'as also ordered that Mashamoquet should be called Pomfret. 

October 28th of this year, " the town voted to give an ortho- 
dox minister — such an one as shall be acceptable to the people — 
one hundred and fifty pounds in money for and towards buying 
his land and building his house — also, to break up four acres of 
land and plant two with an orchard — and for his salary fifty-five 
pounds in money for the first year, until such time as there shall 
be sixty families settled in the town ; and then seventy pounds 
a year ever after, so long as he shall continue his ministerial re- 
lation to us. And Ebenezer Sabin and Samuel Warner are cho- 
sen to go and bring a minister to preach and settle here. And 
it is voted, in the first place, that they shall make their appli- 

* See Note. A. 



8 

cation to Mr. Ebenezer Williams of Roxbury, and show iiiin a 
copy of the votes respecting the settling of a minister here ; 
and if he will accept of what is offered and come and be our 
minister, they shall seek no farther ; but if he may not be pre- 
vailed upon to come, then they shall make their address to such 
others as shall seem advisable." 

At a subsequent meeting, Nov. 19th, 1713, the following res- 
olution was adopted : — " Whereas, some time since the town 
employed some persons to wait on Mr. Williams to come and 
preach among us, who being newly come off from his journey 
could not be prevailed upon to come, the town expressing their 
great value for the said Mr. Williams, desire he may be farther 
addressed by letter, to come and preach with us for the space of 
six months ; which if it may be obtained, the town promise to 
pay him for that time, such a salary as shall be honorable, and 
to his satisfaction ; hoping that at the end of said time, we may 
have such experience of each other, as that the providence of 
God may open a door for his settlement ; and it is desired that 
Mr. Williams will please send his answer." 

At a meeting held three months after this, February 16th, 
1713, the following was passed: "Whereas the inhabitants of 
this town at a public meeting some time since, did agree to 
address INIr. Ebenezer Williams of Roxbury, to come and preach 
here, for the space of six months, hoping at the end of that time 
to have such experience of each other, as that the providence 
of God will open the door for his settlement ; and the said Mr. 
Williams being accordingly applied unto, did in convenient time, 
viz. December 23d, 1713, come unto us ; and has, as much as 
the providence of God would permit, continued to preach unto 
us ever since ; and now, although the said six months be not 
near expired, yet, the people, by the little experience they have 
had of Mr. Williams, are very well satisfied with him ; finding 
him to be a gentleman very agreeable to them, and every way 
willing to accept of him for their minister, and to let him know 
what encouragement they will give him to settle with them — ac- 
cordingly, therefore, they do freely and faithfully promise and 
engage, that if the said Mr. Williams doth like the town, and 



will and sljall settle here in the work of the gospel ministry, 
ihey will give him one hundred and seventy pounds, in money, 
towards buying his land and building his house ; and for his sala- 
ry, sixty pounds yearly for four years ; and after that to rise 
twenty shillings yearly, until it shall come to seventy pounds ; 
and then to stand at seventy pounds, per annum, so long as he 
shall continue his ministerial labors among them." 

'• And Mr. Williams being personally present ; for several 
weighty and serious considerations, him thereunto moving, par- 
ticularly for and in the consideration of what the town has now 
offered him, doth freely and faithfully and sincerely, promise 
that he will settle in this town in the work of the ministry, and 
by the grace of God enabling him, will endeavor to discharge 
aright all the duties belonging to his profession." 

The same day it was voted, " that the meeting house should 
be set on * White's plain,' " which is supposed to be the place 
where it actually stood ; a little north of the road which turns 
cast, at the top of the 'Meeting House Hill.' 

In the following June, the proprietors of the town held a meet- 
ing in Roxbury ; and for the further encouragement of Mr. Wil- 
liams to settle here in the gospel ministry, voted, "to give him 
two hundred acres of land, out of their undivided portion." 

In the summer of 1714 the meeting house was raised and cov- 
ered, but not entirely finished ; as is evident from a vote passed 
hi town meeting, in August of the same year—" that the meet- 
ing house be carried no further at present than to have the floor 
laid, the pulpit set up, and the doors made and hung, and the 
windows finished, the body seats and the minister's pew made. 
The other j)ews were built by the individuals, who occupied 
them, and not at the public charge ; and were set up from time 
tt* time, as they were needed, as appears from various votes of 
the town granting such privileges to ditlcrent persons."* 

May 9th, 1715, it was voted, "that the space in the meeting 

* This probably accounts for the origin ol the uncomfortiiblc practice of pcw- 
liiakiag in the old meeting houses — every man made hi3 own, to box up himself 
and family. 

2 



iO 

house at the west end, between the stairs and the door, be the 
place for boys to sit." 

At a subsequent meeting it was voted, *' that the second seat 
in the body of the meeting house, and the front seat in the gal- 
lery, shall be equal in dignity ; and that the third seat of the 
body, and the fore seat of the side gallery, be equal ; the fourth 
seat in the body and the second in the front gallery ; and that the 
governing rule in seating the meeting house be, the three first 
rates that are made in the town." 

In 1719, it was voted "to build a balcony for a bell, which 
Jonathan Belcher, Esq., offered to bestow upon the town." 
Whether that balcony was ever built, or the bell ever bestowed, 
there is no record and no tradition. 

The time for the ordmation of Mr. Williams was fixed by vote 
of the town, October 26th, 1715, and " Deacon Sabin, Samuel 
Warner, Edward Payson, Jonathan Hyde, Nathaniel Sessions, 
and Ebenezer Truesdale, were desired to take care, that a good 
dinner should be provided, and that all things be carried on in 
good order." 

Respecting the ordination of Mr. Williams, and the Council 
which inducted him into the holy office, we have no records ; nei- 
ther have we reepecting the formation of the church. It is sup- 
posed, however, that the church was organized and the pastor 
installed the same day, viz: October 26th, 1715. 

Of the personal history and ministry of Mr. Williams, we have 
but little knowledge ; as he left, almost, no records concerning 
himself or his people. We know, however, that he was the 
grandson of Deacon Samuel Williams of Roxbury, Mass. and 
nephew of Rev. John Williams of Deerfield, who was carried 
into captivity by the Indians. He was graduated at Harvard 
College 1709. In a sermon, preached on the occasion of his 
death by Solomon Williams, D. D. of Lebanon, he is represent- 
ed as a fine scholar ; a sound and discriminating divine ; and as 
possessing great weight of character among the ministers and 
churches ui this part of the State. He was fellow of Yale Col- 
lege, and his comiection with that institution was regarded as of 
great importance. In the latter part of his life, he is represent- 



11 

iid by tratliliijii, to have become exceedingly corpulent, so much 
so that he could not reach his feet ; and when he was absent 
from home on councils and for ecclesiastical purposes, as he often 
was, his delegate had to perform the office of foot-dresser. 

His ministry was liighly valued by the people of the town, and 
the attendance upon it was large, so that, before the societies of 
Brooklyn and Abington separated, the house could not well con- 
tain those who came to hear him;, and frequent discussions and 
meetings were held, respecting a new house. 

The state of the church, during his ministry, was evidently 
pros}>erous and happy ; though there is not evidence of so great 
a number of conversions, as sometimes take place, in such a 
congregation. Of the number who united to form the church at 
first, we have no Imowledge. During the first eighteen years of 
Mr. Williams's ministry, one hundred and ten persons, were ad- 
mitted to its communion. Of the remaining twenty years, there 
is no record. No reason is known why an equal number should 
not have been added during this period. 

In the year 1729, and while Mr. Williams was yet in his 
prime, the inhabitants of that part of Pomfiet, known by the 
name of Mortlake, petitioned the town to be released from the 
minister's tax ; with a view to establish a church and society by 
themselves. Their petition was granted. A society was form- 
ed, and regular preaching set up, in what is now Brooklyn ; and 
a church organized, November 2 1st, 1731, composed of mem- 
bers, from this church and the church at Canterbury. Mr. Wil- 
liams officiated on that occasion. This church and society were 
known for several years, and until they became the town of 
Brooklyn, as the second church and society of Pomfret. Their 
first mmister was Rev. Ephraim Avery, ordained 1735. Their 
second, Rev. Josiah Whitney. After the formation of the so- 
ciety of Brooklyn, business respecting the support of the gospel 
and schools, ceased to be done in the name of the town ; and 
each society managed those matters by themselves. This {)art 
of Pomfret, and all that is now Pomfret, constituted tiic " old," 
or " first society," and Brooklyn, the south, or second society. 



12 

After this, no mention is made of society and churcli matters, in 
town books. 

In the year 1749, and while Mr. Wilhams was still living and 
active as a minister, the inhabitants of the west part of the 
town, now known by the name of Abington, petitioned to be set 
off as a society, with a view to their becoming a distinct church 
and congregation. Their petition was granted and confirmed by 
the Legislature. Their meeting house was built in 1751, which 
is the one that has been recently repaired. Their church was 
organised by Mr. Williams, from members from this church, Jan- 
uary 28th, 1753, and was known as the Third Church of Pom- 
fret, until the incorporation of Brooklyn as a town, when it took 
the title of the Second Church, or the Church of Abington. The 
line between the two Societies of Pomfret and Abington, as it 
now remains, is said to have been run by Rev. Mr. Williams. 

Mr. Williams died, much lamented by his people, March 28th, 
1 753, in the sixty-third year of his age, and thirty-eighth of his 
ministry, in this place. His funeral charges were defrayed by 
the society. The officers of the church during Mr. Williams' 
ministry, were his brother Wm. Williams, afterwards of Brook- 
lyn, (as is believed.) Benjamin Sabin, and Philemon Chandler. 
If there were others, their names arc not known. 

The children of Mr. Williams were, Samuel — Chester, for 
many years a distinguished minister of the gospel in Hadley, 
Mass., and father of the late Rev. Mr. Williams of Brimfield, and 
of Mrs. Emmons, wife of the late Rev. Dr. Emmons, of Franklin 
Mass. — Ebenezer, an influential citizen of this town, and a Colo- 
nel of the militia in the revolutionary war — Nchemiah, and Han- 
nah, who married General Huntington of Norwich, and was the 
mother of Generals Ebenezer and Zachariah Huntington, and 
grand mother of Hon. Jabez W. Huntington, our present Senator 
in Congress. 

After the death of Mr. Williams, the church was destitute of 
a pastor for three years ; though it is believed they had preach- 
ing most of the time. Thirty-one children were baptised by the 
neighbouring ministers. Mr. Russel, afterwards minister of 
Thompson, preached to this people for some time ; and received 



13 

a call from tlieni. lo bocomo ihcir j)asl()i ; but ior ^(.iiu' reason 
saw fit to decline. 

The Rev. Aaron Putnam then supplied them, and received a 
call to become their pastor and teacher, Nov. 17th, 17r>.'}, and 
gave his answer in the afhrmative, Feb. 8th, 1750, in a sermon 
from Job 33 : G. "Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's 
stead ; I also am formed out of the clay.'' The time of his ordi- 
nation, was appointed to be the following March 10th, 175(». 
Previous to that time, namely, February 25th, a day of fasting 
and prayer was observed by the church, with reference to the 
interests of the church, and the preparation of themselves and 
the pastor elect, for the solemn day of his ordination. Seven of 
the neighbouring ministers were present ; two sermons were de- 
livered, and Mr. Putnam was examined with reference to his 
qualifications for the gospel ministry. On IMarch 10th the coun- 
cil convened for his ordination at the house of Deacon Ebenezer 
llolbrook. Twelve ministers were present, with their delegates. 
Rev. Dr. Williams, of Lebanon, was Moderator, and Rev. Ebe- 
nezer Devotion, of Scotland, Scribe. The council voted unani- 
mously, to proceed to his ordination. Mr. Gleason, of Dudley, 
oITered the first prayer ; Mr. Mosely, of Windham Village, now 
Hampton, preached the sermon ; Mr. Rice, of Sturbridge, ofli^r- 
ed the ordaining prayer ; Dr. Williams gave the charge ; Mr. 
Devotion gave the right hand of fellowship; Mr. Williams, of 
Woodstock, offered the last prayer, and the solemnity was con- 
cluded by singing the 08th Psalm. 

Of Mr. Putnam and his ministry, a great deal cannot be said ; 
though in many respects it was an eventful period, both to this 
church and the country. Mr. Putnam was the son of Rev. Dan- 
iel Putnam, of Reading, Mass. He graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege in 1752. Of his talents and influence as a minister, judging 
from what I have seen and heard, I should think he was hardly 
equal to his predecessor. He published some pamphlets during 
the latter part of his ministry, which, though they show a chris- 
tian spirit, and in their design were most excellent, are not indic- 
ative of great mental force. Still, it is believed, he was a veiy 
useful and acceptable servant of Christ, serious and godly m his 



14 

Jeportment; careful to admonish transgressors, and to maintain 
order in the house of God. The records show him to have been 
very thorough, not to say severe, in his discipline. He had 
high notions of the sanctity of the sabbath, and most scrupulously 
avoided every thing in sign, word, or deed, that had the appear- 
ance of desecrating that holy day. During the latter part of his 
ministry he lost his health, and finally, his voice ; so that for 
several years before his dismission, he was unable to preach. 
During this period he did. what he could to fulfil the office of a 
christian bishop. He wrote sermons, which were read on the 
sabbath, to the people, by the deacons. He also wrote epistles 
to members of the church and society, and as before remarked, 
published a few small tracts for their benefit. But the church 
and society suffered much, at this time, from the want of a speak- 
ing preacher, and the regular administration of the ordinances. 
And what was worse than all ; in their attempts to settle a col- 
league, they became divided and almost extinct. A part of the 
church and society went off, and settled under the pastoral care 
of one Oliver Dodge, who was the rejected candidate for the 
office of colleague, assuming the name of "' the reformed catholic 
church of Pomfret." While this schism prevailed, the town was 
full of " debates and backbitings and wdiisperings and swellings 
and tumults ;" and nearly the whole county, churches and min- 
isters and civilians, became implicated in the controversy ; and a 
most violent and disgraceful newspaper and pamphlet warfare, 
was kept up for several years. During this period, those who 
adhered to their minister, and to this church and society, used to 
meet from sabbath to sabbath ; a small and feeble band, indeed, 
in their great meeting house, standing near this place, to pray 
and read the word of God. One of the deacons would read, and 
the other would pray, and their poor, speechless minister would 
show his approbation by his constant presence. It was a melan- 
choly spectacle. The multitude were all gone after the preten- 
der. Those that remained were oppressed and despised ; and 
as they sat around in their several pews, here and there one, 
they might adopt the language of the prophet, " we are in deso- 
late places as dead men." But though they were few and fee- 



15 

l)lc, the Lord heard their prayers, and in his own time granted 
thcin dehverancc from their sorrow. Greater blessings tiian 
ihcy dared to hope for, were granted them. Dodge, who had 
been the occasion of all their trouble, and who drew away the 
people after him, proved, after a while, to be a drunkard and an 
apostate, one of the vilest ; and his followers became disgusted 
with him, and weary of their schism, clieerfully returned to 
the church and society which they had left, and harmoniously 
united in the choice of Rev. Asa King, to be their colleague pas- 
tor. Since that time, no schism has occurred, or any thing unu- 
sual, to mar the harmony and peace of the church or society. 

When the council were convened for the ordination of Mr. 
King, it was thought best, by all the parties, that the pastoral 
relation between the church and Mr. Putnam should be dissol- 
ved, and that Mr. King, should be installed sole pastor, which 
was accordingly done. It was ordered, however, that a stipula- 
ted, annual allowance, should be paid by the society, for the sup- 
port of INIr. Putnam during his life. 

Mr. Putnam admitted, during his ministry of forty-six years, 
one hundred and seventy-six members to the communion of the 
church, and baptized seven hundred and sixty-one children. His 
death occurred October 2Sth, 1813, in the eightieth year of his 
age. He had two wives. His first was the daughter of Rev. 
Dr. Hall, of Sutton, Mass., and sister of the late Doct. Jonathan 
Hall, of this town. She was lulled by bemg thrown from a car- 
riage, in the hollow, a few rods north of this house. His other 
wife was the daughter of Rev. Ephraim Avery, of Brooklyn. 
He had one son, Aaron, who was a minister of the gospel, and 
one daughter, who was the wife of Rev. Samuel P. Storrs of the 
State of New York. In the year 1760, m the early part of Mr. 
Putnam's ministry, a new and large meeting house was com- 
menced on the common, directly in front of the one which we 
now occupy. Some difficulty occurred about moving from the 
old site, at the top of the hill, and two or three years elapsed 
before it was ready for public worship. The frame, I am told, 
stood a year or more, uncovered. Those difficulties, however, 
soon passed away and all became willing to finish the house and 



IG 

meet in i(, for the worship of their God and Saviour. The offi- 
cers of the church during Mr. Putnam's ministry, were deacons 
Samuel Sumner, Ebenezer Holbrook, Jonathan Dresser, David 
Williams, John Holbrook, Simon Cotton, Caleb Hayward, Wil- 
liam Sabin, and John II. Payson, 

Mr. King, as before intimated, was ordained pastor of this 
church May 5lh, 1802. He is a native of Mansfield, in this 
State. He studied theology with Rev. John Sherman and Rev. 
Dr. Welch, of his native town. Great harmony prevailed du- 
ring his continuance witli this people. In the year 1808, a very 
extensive and powerful revival prevailed, and "many were ad- 
ded unto the Lord," both in this and the Baptist Society. Mr. 
King was dismissed June 15th, 1811, on account of ill-health. 
He was afterwards settled for many years, at North Killing- 
worth, in this State, and is now pastor of the church in West- 
minister, in this county. During his ministry here of nine years, 
Mr. King admitted ninety-nine persons to the communion of the 
church by profession, and ten by letter. He baptized ninety- 
seven children. His ministry since he left here, has been per- 
haps, equally successful. During his connexion with this people, 
the meeting house was repaired, and a balcony was erected, 
which, I am told, cost the society more than the building we 
now occupy. A bell was given to the society by Mr. Benjamin 
Duick, which is the foundation of the one we now possess. Mr. 
Oliver Grosvenor was chosen Deacon near the close of Mr. 
King's ministry. 

After the dismission of Mr. King, the people were in a desti- 
tute condition, for two or three years. They had a great num- 
ber of candidates, some of whom tliey rejected ; and others who 
being invited to settle, rejected them. At length, they were uni- 
ted in giving a call to the Rev. James Porter, who was pleased 
to accept their invitation, and was, accordingly, ordained Sept. 
Sth, 1814. The sermon preached at his ordination by Rev. Eli- 
jah Dunbar, of Peterborough, N. H., was printed. Mr. Porter 
is a native of Peterborough, and was graduated at Williams 
College in 1810. He continued as the minister of this parish 
until April 23d, 1830, when, on account of protracted ill-health, 



17 

there being no |>rospcct of liis restoration, so as to perform the 
duties of the ministry, he was dismissed, greatly beloved and 
confided hi, by the people. He still lives witiiout charge, in 
Woodstock, in this State. During his ministry of sixteen years, 
great harmony prevailed. Several seasons of refreshing were 
granted to the church, " from the presence of the Lord." The 
first Sabbath School in this town, or in this region, was establish- 
ed in this church, in the early part of Mr. Porter's ministry. 
Major Asa Copeland was the first Superintendant. Ninety per- 
sons were admitted to the church, and one hundred and twelve 
were baptized, brothers Job and Zephaniah Williams, were 
chosen deacons during his ministry. 

The year and a half, that intervened between the dismission of 
Mr. Porter and the settlement of his successor, was a period in 
many respects, of great discouragement and trial to this people. 
Before Mr. Porters dismission his health had for some time been 
feeble, and others had taken the advantage. Sectarian influence 
was rife and active. The old meeting house had become so di- 
iaj)idated and uncomfortable, that it must either be repaired or 
rebuilt. Withal, it was so large and contained so small an audi- 
ence, that ministers shunned it, feanng that it would soon cause 
them to " cough their own knell." One or two ministers were 
called, who rejected their invitations. It was truly, a day of 
tlai'kncss and gloominess. All knees were feeble and all hands 
hung down. However, the Lord did not utterly forsake them. 
Under the preaching of a young man. Rev. David A. Grosvenor, 
now of Uxbridge, Mass., who supplied them for a wliile, a little 
season of revival was granted. Twenty-eight persons were 
brought into the church, and fourteen adults and children were 
baptized. Thus like Israel of old, " they were helpen with a 
little help." At this period they made preparation to build a new 
place of worship, and formed their contracts. Some assistance 
was granted them by their friends abroad. 

Oct. 19lh, 1831, Rev. Amzi Benedict was installed pastor of 
the church and society ; and the ensuing summer this house, 
which we now occupy, was built and dedicated in October to 
the worship of Almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 

3 



18 

Mr. Benedict is a native of New Canaan, in this State, was 
graduated at Yale College in 1814, and at the Theological Sem- 
inary, Andover in 1818. He was first settled in Vernon, in this 
State, then over this church. During his ministry of two years 
and nine months, a very interesting revival was enjoyed by the 
church. Seventy-seven persons were admitted to the church — 
seventy-three by profession, and four by letter. Fifty of the 
above number, I am informed, were admitted in one day. Mr. 
Benedict baptized forty-five adults and forty-two children. He 
was dismissed July 15th, 1834. He has since been settled at 
Manlius, N. Y., and is now Principal of a Female Seminary, in 
New Haven. 

The present pastor is a native of Columbia, in this State — 
was graduated at Amherst College in 1828, and at the Theolo- 
gical Seminary, Andover, in 1833 — was ordained as pastor of 
this church and people, April 8th, 1835. The number of per- 
sons who have been admitted since my labors commenced here, 
is forty-five — nineteen by profession, and twenty-six by letter. 
I have baptized forty-four persons — thirty-eight children, and six 
adults. Deacon Zephaniah Williams died in 1838, and brother 
Lewis Averill was chosen to fill his place. Probably at no pe- 
riod in the history of this church w^ere its numbers greater than 
at the present time, though we now number but one hundred 
and sixty-two. The congregation at the present time, though 
larger than at some former periods, does not compare with what 
it was, under the ministry of Mr. Williams and Mr. Putnam, and 
Mr. King, when the great house, which would hold a thousand 
persons, was filled above and below, together with the pulpit 
and gallery stairs. Great changes have taken place. Non-es- 
sentials have magnified in the esteem of the people. Four pla- 
ces of worship have arisen in this parish, in a population which 
were once accommodated in one. We are denounced by one 
denomination, as having no ordination ; by another, as having no 
ordinances ; and by a third, as having too many. But who are 
right, we or they, " the day of the Lord " will make manifest. 
However, 1 am persuaded, there is a greater amount of vital 
piety, amongst this people now, than in some former years. The 



11> 

number of proi'essors of religion is much larger tlian at any for- 
mer period. The morals of the people, are in some important 
respects greatly improved, in others they have, probably, de- 
clined. 

Respecting the church in Abington, I observed, it was organ- 
ized January 28th, 1753. The number of members which com- 
posed it at first, was about forty. The first deacons were Sam- 
uel Craft and Edward Ruggles. The Rev. David Ripley was 
ordained the first pastor, February 23d, 1753. The services at 
his ordination were performed by the following ministers. Mr. 
Cogswell, of Canterbury, ofiered the first prayer ; Mr. Devotion, 
of Scotland, preached ; Mr. Stiles, of Woodstock, offered the or- 
daining prayer ; ]Mr. Williams, of Pomfrct, gave the charge ; 
Mr. Cabot, of Thompson, offered another prayer ; and Mr. Ave- 
ry, of Brooklyn, gave the hand of fellowship. 

Of Mr. Ripley's personal history, I have been able to obtain 
but little. He was a native of Windham, in this State — eradua- 
ted at Yale College — received the Master's degree from Har- 
vard, 1754. He is supposed to have possessed rather superior 
gifts, as a preacher. The church and society were generally 
prosperous under his ministry. It is said, that at the time of his 
death, which occurred in 1785, there was not a dissenting family 
in the parish, nor one that did not attend meeting. He admitted 
to the conmiunion of the church about one hundred and forty 
persons, and baptized seven hundred cliildren and adults. He 
was the father of Rev. David B. Ripley, late of Marlborough, 
Conn. 

Rev. Walter Lyon was the second minister of Abington. He 
was a native of Woodstock, in this State — graduated at Dart- 
mouth College 1777, and was made Master at Yale 1782. He 
was ordained December 31st, 1782. The following ministers 
performed the services : Mr. Sumner, of Shrewsbury, Mass., of- 
fered the introductory prayer ; Mr. Paine, of Sturbridge, Mass., 
preached; Mr. Cogswell, of Scotland, offered the ordaining 
prayer ; Mr. Williams, of Woodstock, gave the charge ; Mr. 
Russell, of Thompson, offered a prayer after the charge ; and 
Mr. Whitney, of Brooklyn, gave the hand of fellowship. 



20 

Mr. Lyon was a very conscientious and exemplary nnnisler 
of the gospel, careibl to admonish transgressors, and maintain 
the authority of the church over its members. Some seasons of 
refreshing were enjoyed by the church during his ministry. In 
the latter part of his life he entered very fully into the benevo- 
lent operations of the day, and made liberal bequests to the 
cause of foreign missions and of education for the ministry, also 
to the society of which he was pastor. During his ministry of 
forty-four years, he admitted one hundred and four persons to 
the communion of the church by profession, and baptized two 
hundred and forty. His death occurred February 11th, 1826. 
The deacons appointed during his ministrj^ were Robert Sharpe, 
Benjamin Ruggles, Joshua Grosvenor, Samuel Crafts, Amassa 
Storrs, William Osgood, and Willis Goodell. 

After the death of Mr. Lyon, the church in Abington was des- 
titute of a pastor nearly two years, when they united, February 
19th, 1828, in giving an invitation to the Rev. Charles Fitch, to 
become their pastor and teacher, which he was pleased to ac- 
cept, and was accordingly ordained April 30th, 1828. 

Of Mr. Fitch, it may be said, that without the advantages of 
an early or classic education, or any regular theological instruc- 
tion, he far exceeded, as a preacher, what could have been ex- 
pected. During his ministry of four years, there was much reli- 
gious interest among the people, and many hopeful conversions. 
Fifty were added to the church by profession, and some by let- 
ter. He also baptised fifty-two persons, children and adults- 
Since his dismission he has occupied free churches in Hartford 
and Boston, and his sympathies are at present enlisted with the 
perfectionists and the school at Oberlin. 

The present pastor. Rev. Nathan S. Hunt, is a native of Cov- 
entry, in this State — graduated at Williams College 1830, and at 
the Theological Seminary, Andover, in 1833 — was ordained pas- 
tor of the church in Abington, February 12th, 1834. He is 
grandson of Rev. Nathan Strong, of North Coventry, and neph- 
ew of the Rev. Drs. Strong, of Hartford and Norwich. During 
his ministry the interests of the church and society have prosper- 
ed. Twenty-five have been added by profession, and twelve by 



loiter. He has liapli/L'cl sixty-two persons. During llu' |«ast 
season the society have remodeled their ancient house, and made 
in it most desirable changes for their convenience and coinforl. 
The present number of members in the church, is one hundred 
and twenty — thirty-four males and eighty-six females. The 
present deacons arc Elisha Lord and William Osgood, Jun. 

Of the Baptist Society in this town, I have, as yet, said noth- 
ing. It had its origin in events that took place during the min- 
istry of Mr. Putnam, and in connection with the influence and 
agency of Rev. Dr. jNIanning, of Providence. The church, how- 
ever, was not formed until April 9th, 1806. For many years 
they had no meeting house, but worshipped in school houses, 
chiefly in the northeast and southeast districts of this parish. 
Their present valuable house of worship, was erected in 1821. 
They have never had, it is believed, any settled pastor; but 
have supplied their pulpit by annual contract. Five different 
ministers have served them. They have had several seasons of 
revival, and of additions to their church. The size of their con- 
gregation is very icspectable. The present number of commu- 
nicants is one hundred and forty-two. The whole number that 
have been added since its formation, is three hundred and twen- 
ty-three. Some members of this church have become preach- 
ers of the gospel. Their present preacher is the Rev. Warren 
Cooper. 

The Fipiscopal Society in this town was formed in 1830, while 
this people were destitute of a pastor, and their house built and 
consecrated. They have had two or three different ministers, 
who have supplied ihcm one half of the time, in connexion with 
the church at Brooklyn. Two members of this church have 
become preachers of the gospel. Rev. Riverius Camp is their 
present minister. 

The friends Meeting house was built in 1S20, during the min- 
istry of INlr. Porter. Thoy had for several years previous to 
this time, held meetings in a school house near their present 
place of worship. But few families in Pomfret belong to this 
meeting. Some from Killingly — some from Brooklyn, and some 



22 

Ironi Abington, unite with them in sustaining their mode and 
place of worship. 

Having said thus much respecting the religious history of this 
town, I will now pass to what I may perhaps call its literary or 
scholastic history. It appears, from the records, that the fathers 
of this town were, hke the early fathers of New England, as 
much engaged to establish and sustain schools, as they were the 
preaching and ordinances of the gospel, for immediately upon 
the erection of their meeting house, and while it was yet unfin- 
ished, they voted, January 28th, 1719, "to erect a school house, 
near the meeting house, twenty-four feet by nineteen, seven feet 
studs, which shall be reared and finished by the next Michael- 
mas, come twelve month, which will be in the year of our Lord 
1721." A committee was also appointed to oversee the affairs 
of the school in general. 

In August, 1723, it was voted, first, that the school house shall 
be finished with all convenient speed. Secondly, query ? wheth- 
er the town will agree upon this method, as to the places where 
the school shall be kept in the town ; namely, that the school be 
kept one half of the time in the school house already built, and 
the other half of the time somewhere, farther northward, in 
some house which the neighborhood shall provide, and the whole 
maintained in the same public manner 'I Voted in the affirmative. 
Thirdly, query ? Whether the town will allow those that live 
south of Governor Saltonstall's land, their proportion of collector 
Whitney's rate ; which proportion amounts to three pounds, ten 
shillings and eight pence, towards building a school house for 
themselves, provided they first erect a school house ; also, their 
proportion of all rates that shall hereafter be made towards the 
maintenance, provided they keep a school among themselves." 
These three schools were established almost simultaneously at 
the north, centre, and south part of the town. 

At a meeting of the town in June, 1729, six years later, it was 
voted, " to raise one penny on the pound to defray the expense 
of the schools." This also was passed — "Whereas there are 
sundry families in the town who are so remote from the school 
houses, that they can have no benefit of sending their children 



23 

by reason of the distance of the way ; tlie town now submits 
notwithstanding any former vote, that upon the rc(iuest and ap- 
pHcation of any number of famihes to the select men, they shall 
at their discretion accommodate them witha school, at any })art 
of the town, until the town sees cause to order otherwise." 
Here then, I sec not, why all needful provision w^as not made 
for the education of the children and youth of this place. This 
provision continued to be made by vote of the town until the 
society of Brooklyn was set off, when it was done by the eccle- 
siastical society, in connexion with their provision for the support 
of the ministry. This practice continued, I believe, throughout 
the State until the appropriation of the school fund of Connecti- 
cut, to the purposes of education, when the present system of 
school societies was decreed. Of the time when the present or- 
der of districts was established in the town, I have no means of 
deternuning. There is a small fund belonging to the first school 
society, obtauied by the sale of State lands in Litchfield County,* 
whose annual interest is appropriated for the benefit of the com- 
mon schools. 

But the early inhabitants were not only the friends of common 
schools, but of the higher branches and institutions of learning. 
The first minister of this town, as already observed, was a Fel- 
low of Yale College. His second son graduated there, and oth- 
ers were continually going from this place to the higher schools 
and colleges of New England, and have been until the present 
day. At one time, I am informed, there were seven young men 
from this parish in Yale College, all of whom became ministers 
of the gospel. Some of the most distinguished ministers and 
civilians in the country have gone from this town. I have ascer- 
tained the namesf of about thirty persons from this parish who 
have become ministers of the gospel ; two of whom received the 
honorary tittle of D. D. ; also of three who were distinguished 
Judges of courts in diflcrent States ; three who have been mem- 
bers of Congress, and one, for many years, a Senator of the 
United States ; two who were reckoned among the most distin- 

* Sec Note B. t See Note C. 



24 

guished barristers in the State of JNew York; and another who 
has been Speaker of the House of Representatives in that 
State.* 

In the profession of law,- there have never been many who 
have resided in tliis place. Two men, however, were ornaments 
to that profession, Hon, Thomas Grosvenor, for many years 
Judge of the County Court and State Counsellor, and Sylvanus 
Backus, long a Speaker of the House of Representatives in this 
State, and at the time of his death, a member elect to the Con- 
gress of the United States. 

In the profession of medicine and surgery, this town has not 
been deficient. Dr. Abbigence Waldo and Dr. Thomas Hub- 
bard, had a high reputation in this and the neighboring States. 
Others hardly less distinguished have resided in the town.f 

Special efibrts were made by the early inhabitants of this 
town and vicinity, to provide themselves with the means of gen- 
eral and useful knowledge. In 1739 a solemn covenant was 
entered into by sixteen individuals of Pomfret, Woodstock, and 
Killingly, including the ministers of the several parishes, to pay 
the sums affixed to their names, for the establishment of a libra- 
ry. One man gave thirty pounds, and four others, twenty 
pounds each, and the sixteen made out two hundred and fifty- 
four. (Very liberal we should call that in these times.) 

This library association was called " The United English Li- 
brary, for the propagation of Christian and Useful Knowledge." 
It was ordered that the books of said library should be kept in 
Pomfret. Mr. Williams was the first Librarian. After the for- 
mation of the society, other individuals joined them. Fifteen 
persons very soon, who paid into the society one hundred and 
eighty-five pounds. With these funds, a very valuable library 
was purchased. They also received presents of books from 
friends abroad, and from authors. Thanks were voted, as ap- 
pears by the records, to Rev. Dr. Guise, of London, for his 
works. In 1715, the library was divided; the mhabitants of the 
several towns taking their share of the books and funds, to con- 

* See Note D. t Sec Note E. 



25 

stilutc a distinct library by themselves. General Israel Putnam 
was admitted to this association, August 27th, 1753, and "paid 
sixteen pounds, okl tenon." The Pomfrct branch continued to 
be sustained for many years. The old case and a remnant of 
the books, I now have in my possession. 

The foregoing statistics sufficiently illustrate the interest which 
our fathers felt in the cause of education and the diflusion of 
useful knowledge. May their descendants fear to fall behind 
them. 

I may next refer to their interest in the cause of civil freedom. 
We have abundant reason to_ believe that the first settlers of this 
town were firm su|)porters of the rights of the colonies against 
regal oppression, and any infraction upon the exercise of civil 
and religious freedom. The first notice I have been able to find 
ol' their feelings in reference to the war of the revolution, is de- 
rived from the account we have of a donation which they made 
for the benefit of the poor in Boston, during the time that the 
British troops were quartered there. The following letter from 
the Selectmen of Boston to the Selectmen of Pomfret, dated 
July 8th, 1774, is an interesting relic, and shows the feelings of 
the citizens of both places, and the spirit of those times which 
trieti men's souls. 

" Gentlemen : — By the hand of Mr. Elias Wells we received 
your generous antl kind benefaction for the poor of this distres- 
sed town. We cannot enough express our gratitude for this in- 
stance of your bounty, in which you have liberally contributed to 
the relief of many. What you have thus lent to the Lord, we 
trust and pray that he will pay you again. It gives us great 
consolation amidst our complicated and unparalleled sufl^erings, 
that our brethren in the other colonies show such christian sym- 
pathy and true benevolence towards us. That we are greatly 
distressed, needs no comment. Our harbor blockaded by a fleet 
of ships ; our foreign trade actually annihilated ; thousands of 
poor reduced to extreme want; troops continually pouring in 
upon us, to insult us in this our distress, is a consideration that 
must excite pity in the most obdurate. However, although we 

4 



2G 

thus suffer, wc arc willing to suli'er still more, rather than give 
up our birthright privileges. With great regard, we are your 
brethren and most humble servants." 

JOHN SEELEY, ^ 

TIMOTHY NEWELL, {Selectmen 
SAMUEL AUSTIN, (of Boston. 
JOHN PITTS, J 

This letter establishes some facts of great interest. It shows 
the sj>irit which operated to produce the revolution, and to se- 
cure the liberties of this country. "We are willing to suffer 
still more rather than give up our birthright." It shows that the 
people of this town fully possessed that spirit. It shows that 
they were a benevolent people. " They did liberally." It shows 
above all, that the fathers of the revolution went to their work 
in the fear of God ; and were not afraid, in all their correspon- 
dence and public acts, to recognise and express their dependence 
( »n Him. " The Selectmen of Boston trust in and pray to God !" 
Who sees such things in the documents of the Selectmen and 
rulers of these days ? 

" Those suns are set. O rise some other such I 
" Or all that we have left, is cmpt}' talk 
"Of old achievements, and despair of new." 

A company seems to have been formed in this town, as early 
as 1774, with reference to the threatening difficulties. Stephen 
Crown was the Captain, and Thomas Grosvenor, Lieutenant. 
This company immediately after the news of the battle of Lex- 
ington, marched, under the direction of Colonel Knowlton, to 
Cambridge and was engaged in the memorable battle of Bunker 
Hill, where three men, inhabitants of Pomfret, were killed, and 
fifteen wounded. Lieutenant Grosvenor was wounded in the 
hand. 

At a town meeting held March 26th, 1779, the town voted to 
appoint a committee to supply the families of the poor, whose 
husbands and fathers were gone into the service. Then the 
(jucstion was put, " whether the towfi would take any measures 
to encourage and promote the speedy raising and enlisting of men 



27 

to fill up the nuiiibijr to be raised within suicl t(»wn, according to 
the proposal of the Governor and Council, passed in the affirma- 
tive." -'Also, voted and agreed to firmly unite among ourselves, 
and strictly to adhere to the laws regulating prices, and to use 
our joint and several influences to support and maintain the same 
as a very important regulation for the support of the army, and 
preventing every measure, artfully taken, for the oppression of 
the poor." "Also voted that the sum of twenty-four pounds 
lawful money be paid each elfective man that has or shall enlist 
into the continental army for three years, or during the war, in 
this tow^n, by the 7th day of April next, not exceeding eighty 
men." This money as appears, was raised partly by subscrip- 
tion and partly by tax. 

Under this encouragement, seventy-one men from this town 
enlisted into the continental army. The town paid them a boun- 
ty of three thousand four hundred and seven pounds, and for the 
support of their families, two thousand eight hundred and eighty- 
nine pounds, in all, six thousand two hundred and ninety-six 
pounds, or twenty thousand nine hundred and sixty-five dollars, 
according to New England currency. In addition to this, there 
were various militia services and expenses, which I have no 
means of determining. 

Three men from this town, were especially distinguished for 
their bravery and enterprise in the revolutionary war ; General 
Israel Putnam,* whose history is so familiar to every one that I 
need not dwell upon it ; Captain Stephen Brown, who was killed 
at the taking of Mud Island Fort ; and Colonel Thomas Grosvc- 
nor. Of the latter gentleman, I have the following memoranda 
from the Boston Spectator, of August Oth, 1825, ])ul)lished soon 
after his death : 

_Coloncl Grosvcnor was the son of John Grosvenor, Esq., and 
born at Pomfret in 1744. He was educated at Yale College, 
under the Presidency of Mr. Clapp, and afterwards pursued the 
study of the law, till the measures of the British ministry roused 
the energies of New England tr» resistance. At this crisis he did 

* See Note F. 



28 

not hesitate what course to pursue, entering at once into tlie 
spirit of the times. He accepted a Lieutenancy in Captain 
Brown's Company, (as before stated,) and was present at the 
battle of Bunker Hill. He was afterwards in the disastrous con- 
flict near Flatland, on Long Island, when General Sullivan was 
captured. He was also with the retreating army in its subse- 
quent progress from I^ong Island to Harlem Heights, Morisania, 
and White Plains, and in its desponding flight thi'ough the Jer- 
sies, and beyond the Delaware. He recossed the Delaware with 
that army, and was present at the actions of Trenton and Prince- 
ton. In 1778, he was at the battle of Monmouth; and during 
the subsequent part of that year's campaign, was constantly at- 
tached to the main army under Washington. In 1779, he ac- 
companied General Sullivan in his expedition against the Six Na- 
tions. In the winter of that year, and of 1780, he first broke 
ground at West Point, and began a fort at the present site of the 
United States Military Academy, halting his corps there. The 
celebrated Kosciusko was the engineer who directed the opera- 
tions with him at that time. 

In 1780, Colonel Duj'kee retiring from the service,| Lieutenant 
Colonel Grosvenor was promoted to his place. The active du- 
ties of Colonel, had been previously discharged by him. About 
this time he evinced great penetration, judgment, and energy, in 
detecting and suppressing a dangerous meeting that broke out in 
the camp near the time of the famous Ncwburgh letter. 

After the disbanding of the army, Colonel Grosvenor returned, 
like many oilier distinguished officers of the revolution, to his 
farm in Pomfrct, and immediately laid aside the garb, and the 
habits of a soldier — habits which he had acquired by seven years 
experience of toil, and the privations of the camp — with the same 
apparent ease that they had been assumed. 

Colonel Grosvenor appears, throughout his useful life, to have 
been directed, not by ambition, but the desire to be useful. It is 
remarkable of him, that he lived after his retirement to his na- 
tive place, forty years, greatly venerated by all, without ever 
revisiting the priHci{>al scenes of the revolution, with which he 



licul been conversant, or even leavij.a the confines of his native 
State. 

He was for more than twenty years, a member of the Gover- 
nor's Council in Connecticut ; and f(»r a much longer time, C/hiof 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in tliis County. He was a 
member of this church at the time of his death, which occurred 
July 11th, 1825. 

I have thus given you an account of the religious, literary, and 
civil history of this town. Several other topics of interest ought 
to be mentioned and dwelt upon, if time would permit — such as 
the hospitality and benevolence of the people ; their interest in 
the cause of temperance ; their wealth and enterprise compared 
with other farming towns ; their past and present population ; 
the intluences that have operated to change the character of so- 
ciety ; the health in former and recent years, and the bills of 
mortality compared with other towns and sections of the coun- 
try.* But to do justice to these topics would carry me beyond 
your patience, and my own strength. I will just say, however, 
that the people of this town have ever been esteemed a hospita- 
ble and benevolent people. Prom the day they remembered the 
poor in Boston, until now, their liberality in the cause of chris- 
tian l)enevolence, has abounded. Their efforts in the cause of 
the temperance reform, were also early and have been thorough 
and persevering. As their fathers pursued the wolf, which dis- 
turbed and destroyed their flocks, until they had etTected her de- 
struction, so the children have pursued the monster intemper- 
ance by day and night, o'er hill and dale, in church and court, 
in authority meeting and town meeting : so that, at the present 
time, the sale of intoxicating drink is not allowed within the limits 
of this town. 

And now let me conclude with a few remarks, appropriate to 
this subject, and to the serviros of this day. 

1 . Wc see fJir hlessinirs of a pious and intelUgent ancestry. — 

* Sec Note G. 



30 

Evoiy community paiiakcs very much of the character of its 
ancestors. In cvciry town and state and nation, we find traces 
of their origin. We read their history in themselves. What 
gave Israel such superiority over all other nations 1 The piety 
and wisdom of their patriarchs. What gives this country, and 
particularly our own New England, such superiority in civil, so- 
cial and religious institutions ? The virtue and intelligence of our 
ancestors. The same influences wrought here. The fathers of 
this town were near akin to the first settlers of New England. 
They were rocked by them in their cradles, and trained under 
their immediate influence and inspection; and when they came here 
they brought all those institutions, civil and religious, which the 
pilgrims came to this land to establish and enjoy. When we look 
round then upon these churches and schools — upon this intelli- 
gent and happy community, and all the social and religious bles- 
sings with which we are surrounded, we should remember, this 
is an inheritance from our fathers. They brought all these things 
into this place. They came here to prepare them for us. This 
very occasion of annual Thanksgiving; which has called us to- 
gether, is their legacy. They taught their children to observe 
this day, and their children taught another generation; and we, 
following the same devout practice, meet to day to praise the 
God of our fathers. Ought we not to venerate the names and 
character, and cherish the institutions of such ancestors ? What 
true descendant does not feel his heart warming and swelling at 
the mention of those men, who have transmitted to him such an 
inheritance, and at the same time resolve never to trifle with his 
birthright. 

2. Wc see the faithfulness of God to his Church. — This has 
always been seen and known, from the beginning. God proved 
it to Israel, times without number ; and he has proved it to the 
christian church, in all ages and in all countries. But it is some- 
times comforting to see his fidelity in near relation to ourselves. 
This church, we have reason to think, was planted in faith, and 
that God adopted it as his own vine. From time to time he has 
M'atered it and made it grow. Sometimes it has stood in the 



31 

desert, sometimes in the fire. Tiie enemy has trampled on it. 
But it still lives. Like the bush which Moses saw, it has " burn- 
ed unconsumed." And we are now permitted to coinmcmorate 
its preservation, and consider the years of the right hand of the 
Most High ; when he wrought deliverance for it, and enlarge- 
ment. Surely, the God of this church is a faithful God. The 
history of his dealings with it, which we have now reviewed, 
proves him so. Hence, 

3. We see our obligation to he faithful to Him. — God has been 
faithful to our fathers — has remembered their sacrifices and 
prayers, and preserved their institutions, and brought them down 
to us. But if we become faithless and unfruitful, his glory will 
depart from us, and " the candlestick be removed out of its 
place." It has been God's way, when his people have become 
disobedient and unthankful, to leave tiiem to themselves. So he 
did with the churches of Asia, planted by the hands of the apos- 
tles, and watered by their tears. Once they " flourished as 
Eden," but when they became lukewarm and self-confident and 
rebelious, the blast of heaven passed over them and they ceased 
to be. O then, let us remember as a church and people, thus 
far preserved by the good hand of God, our obligations, and be 
faithful in every duty. Let our works of faith and love abound. 
Let us be instant in prayer, that these blessed institutions and 
privileges may be transmitted from us unimpaired, and handed 
down from generation to generation, till the world shall end. 

Finally. Let us j)raise the Lord. — "O, says the Psalmist,, that 
men would praise the Lord for his goodness, for his wonderful 
works to the children of men." Surely we have occasion to 
praise him. His love and works to our fathers and to us, have 
been wonderful. " He has not dealt with us after our sins, nor 
rewarded us according to our iniquities." " His mercies have 
been new every morning, fresh every evening, and repeated eve- 
ry moment of our lives." During the year that now closes, great 
has been his goodness. He has kept us, as a people, " from the 
pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that 



32 

wasteth at noon day," he has made rich provision for the suste- 
nance of man and beast, "causing the earth to yield her increase" 
and " the clouds to drop down fatness." He has " satisfied our 
mouth with good things." He has also granted us the means of 
grace and the offers of eternal life through his blessed Son. Many 
of us from Sabbath to Sabbath, have been permitted to meet in 
his house, and have blessed foretaste of " the rest that remaineth 
for the people of God." O let us praise him — praise him for his 
goodness to our fathers — for his goodness to us — for all his w^on- 
derful works to the children of men. " It is good to sing praises 
unto our God, for it is pleasant, and praise is comely." Praise 
is the highest, holiest exercise in which we can be engaged. 
Praise is the employment of heaven. The angels praise. The 
spirits of just men made perfect, praise. We shall not always 
pray, but, if we are christians, we shall always praise. And nev- 
er had we so much occasion to praise God, as now. Let us then 
anticipate the employment of heaven, and exercise ourselves unto 
praise. Let us begin to day. This is the day to praise. O, be- 
loved, praise the liord for his goodness. Say, each one of you, 
" while I live I will praise the Lord, I will sing praises unto my 
God while I have any being." 



R E F E II E i\ C" E S . 



Note A. — The following are the names of those persons who first signed the 
agreeiDcnt to sustain the preaching of tiie gospel, in this town: 



Benjamin Sabin, (deacon) 
John Sahin, 
Nathaniel Gany, 
Benjamin Sitton, 
Samuel (^atca, 
Edward Payson, 
Samuel Paine, 
John Cnmmings. 
JosiaJi Sabin, 
Samuel Warner, 
Thomas Goodcll, 
Seth Paine, 



Philemon Chandler, (deacon) 

Daniel Allen, 

David Allen, 

Joseph Tucker, 

Lemuel Taylor, 

Leicester Grosvenor. 

r.benezer Grosvenor, 

Benjamin Sabin, Jun., 

Jeremiah Sabin, 

Stephen Sabin, 

Ebenezer Sabin. 



.\i)TF. B. — The State of Connecticut formerly owned lands in Litchfield County ; 
and when they were sold, the avails were distributed to the several School Societies 
then existing, to constitute a fund, whose annual interest should be appropriated to 
the support of conmiou schools. The whole amount thus distributed by the State, I 
have no means of determining. That held by this Society, is three hundred and 
twenty dollars. Tiie first School Societies in the State, only, received it, and no di- 
vision was ever made in favor of those Societies that were afterwards set off. The 
Abington, or 2nd School Society of this town, petitioned the Legislature for a portion 
of this fund, but their prayer was not heard. 



Note C. — The following are the names of those who have become iiiinister.<3 of 
the gospel, from this town : 

Chester Williams — Hadley, Mass. — son Joseph Pope — Spencer, Mass. 



of Rev. Ebenezer. 
Ezra Weld — Braintree, Mass. 
Joshua Paine — Sturbridgc, Mass. 
Ebenezer Grosvenor — Scituate, Mass. 
Ephraim Hyde — Bridgewater, Mass. 
Holland Weeks — Abington, Mass. 



Joseph Sumner, Shrewsbury, Mass. 
Josiah Dana. 

Eleazer Craft — Craflsbury, Vt. 
Abishai Sabin — Monson, Mass. 
John Sabin — Fitzwilliam, N. H. 
Thomas Williams — Providence, R. I. 



34 

Elijah Wheeler — Great B;irriiiglon, JIs. Job Hall — Agent Aiiicricfin Ed. Soc. 

Daniel Grosvenor — Paxton, Mass. Charles Dres.ser — Illinois. 

Aaron Putnam, son of Rev. Aaron. Erastus Spalding. 

William Morse — Marlborough, Mass. A. H. Vinton — Providence, R. I. 

Nathan Grosvenor — Chaplin, Con. Francis Vinton — Newport, R. I. 

George Payson — Kennebunk, Maine. Benjamin Congdon. 

Joshua P. Payson — Martha's Vineyard. David B. Ripley — Marlborough, Con. 

Mason Grosvenor — Hudson, Ohio. Andrew Sharpe — Williniantic, Con. 

Charles P. Grosvenor — Scitnate, R. I. 



Note D. — The following persons, in the legal profession, have gone from this 
town: 

Benjamin Ruggles, Senator in Congress, from Ohio. 

Elisha W^iliiams, Hudson, New York. 

Thomas Grosvenor, Member of Congress, from New York. 

John P. Cushman, Member of Congress, from New York. 

Seth Cushman, Vermont. 

Richard Goodell, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nfw Yoi'k. 

Josiah Spalding, Tennessee. 

David Hall, New York City. 

J. Prescott Hall, do. do. 

Horace Dresser, do. do. 

William Sharpe, Ohio. 



Note E. — Tiie following persons have practised as physicians in this town, since 
its first settlement : 

Thomas Mather, Thomas Hubbard,* 

David Adams, Benjamin Hubbard, 

John Weld, Darius Hutchins, 

William Walton, Warner, 

Morse, Hiram Holt, 

Hallowell, Daniel F. Mosely, 

Albigence Waldo, Alex. H. Vinton, 

Elisha Lord, Virgil M. Palmer, 

Jonathan Hall, F. L. Wheaton. 



Note F. — Respecting General Putnam, it would be superfluous for me to say any 
thing, as his history is so fully before the public. But, as Pomfret was the scene of 
one of his most hazardous exploits, it may be proper to remark, in connection with 
his name, that the place where he performed it, still remains, "as at the beginning." 
The "wolf-den" (for so wc call it) is situated in the southern part of the town, in a 

* Late Professor of tho Principles and Practice of Surgery, in Yale College. 



35 

wild, rooky, piecipitous region, well ailiipted to be the residence of wild beasts. Nor 
iius any change apparently taken place, eitiier in the scenery, or in the cavern itsell' 
from the days of I'utnani until now. It still open? its dismal mouth, which is about 
two feet square, 'on the east side of a very high ledge of rocks." The rocks all re- 
tain their ancient position. The very trees, many of them, which witnessed the gath- 
ering on the memorable night, " with dogs, guns, straw, fne and snlpluir," and .saw 
the anxiety and the success of the perilous undertaking, remain there still. This cav- 
ern is an object of great curiosity, especially with people from obroad ; and scarcely a 
stranger visits the place, but makes it a part of his business to call there before he 
leaves. Hundreds, probably, visit it every year. 



Note G. — The following table gives the number of deaths which have occurred in 
both parishes of the town, during the last twenty -five years, and will exibit the health, 
iness of the place, comj)ared with other towns and sections of the country. The pop- 
ulation of the town is about 2,000. In the first Society, 1200; in the second, 800. 

V'onrs. 

1815 

1816 
1817 
1818 
1819 
1820 
1821 
1822 
1823 
1824 
1825 
1826 
1827 
1828 
1829 
1830 
1831 
1832 
1833 
1834 
1835 
1836 
1837 
1838 
1839 
1840 

3S0 321 701 

The average number of deaths in the whole town, is 28 1-25. Average for Pom- 
fret, 1") 1-5— for Abington, 12 21-25. Annual per cent, for the town. 1 2-5. 



Deaths in 
Pomtret. 

24 


Deaths in 
Abington. 

9 


Total in 
the town. 

33 


17 


12 


29 


18 


2 


20 


17 


11 


28 


11 


12 


23 


17 


10 


27 


14 


11 


25 


16 


16 


32 


12 


12 


24 


13 


17 


30 


23 


17 


40 


18 


16 


34 


10 


6 


16 


15 


16 


31 


9 


12 


21 


13 


10 


23 


21 


4 


25 


24 


13 


37 


13 


15 


28 


12 


14 


26 


10 


10 


20 


9 


12 


21 


18 


21 


39 


9 


15 


24 


10 


17 


27 


7 


11 


].^ 



L^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



0014 1134152 




